Foxtail Millet Ruby

Chumiza "Ruby" is a mid-ripening grain-forage variety of Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv. subsp. italica, distinguished by high drought tolerance and good yield. The vegetative period lasts 116–134 days, and plant height reaches 141–144 cm. The bush is dense, the stem is thin, strong, and hollow, leaves are narrow with anthocyanin coloring, pubescence is weak, and waxy coating is absent or very weak. The panicle is spindle-shaped and also colored anthocyanin; awns are straw-gray up to 1.2 cm.

The grain kernel is medium-sized, semi-elongated, and light-yellow. Mass of 1000 grains is 3.4–4.3 g, and natural moisture content is 706–742 g. On average, there are 2162 to 2478 pieces per panicle. Protein content in grains is 13.6%, fat 5.3%, ash 2.7%, fiber 7.3%, and non-nitrogenous extractive substances 71.1%, of which starch makes up 57.1%. These indicators make the variety suitable for both feed and grain industries.

Agronomic characteristics allow the use of "Ruby" in mechanized production: seeding rate – 4–6 kg/ha with wide-row sowing and 10–15 kg/ha with full-row sowing. Seeds must be treated before planting, sowing depth 2–4 cm, and rolling of seeds no later than 1–3 days after sowing. Best results are achieved with inter-row (30 cm) or wide-row (45–60 cm) plant placement. Harvest by direct combine is possible in years with a dry autumn, as well as separately under moderately moist autumn conditions.